Mount Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, is the highest mountain peak in the United States and North America, with a summit elevation of 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) above sea level. Located in the Alaska Range in the interior of the U.S. state of Alaska, Denali is the third-highest of the Seven Summits (the tallest peaks on all seven continents).

### Geographical Setting

Denali is situated in Denali National Park and Preserve, which spans across six million acres of wild land. The mountain itself stands as a colossal centerpiece surrounded by vast frontiers of untamed wilderness, open tundra, and numerous glaciers, the largest of which is the Kahiltna Glacier.

### Historical Background

The native Koyukon Athabascan people, who inhabit the area around the Alaska Range, have referred to the peak as "Denali" for centuries, meaning "the high one" or "the great one." The mountain was officially recognized as Mount McKinley in 1917 when it was named after President William McKinley during the gold rush era by a prospector, though he did not visit the mountain. In 2015, the U.S. government officially restored the mountain's original Athabascan name, Denali, recognizing the cultural heritage and significance of the name to the indigenous people.

### Climbing History

The first verified ascent of Denali was achieved on June 7, 1913, by a team led by Hudson Stuck, an Alaskan missionary, and includes Harry Karstens, Walter Harper, and Robert Tatum. The mountain's extreme cold, which can drop as low as -75 degrees Fahrenheit (-60 degrees Celsius), and severe weather conditions make climbing it a serious challenge. Despite these conditions, Denali attracts around 1,200 climbers every season who attempt to reach its summit via various routes, the most popular being the West Buttress Route.

### Ecology

Denali's ecosystem is a pristine habitat that hosts an array of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, Dall sheep, and caribou. The vegetation around the mountain varies considerably with the altitude, ranging from dense forest at lower elevations to alpine tundra at higher elevations.

### Conservation and Tourism

Denali National Park is one of the most accessible and visited natural areas in Alaska, drawing tourists and nature enthusiasts from around the world. Efforts to preserve the environmental integrity of Denali and its surrounding park are enforced by various regulations and sustainable practices administered by park authorities.

### Scientific Research and Education

The area around Denali is a significant field for scientific research, particularly in the fields of geology and environmental science. Researchers study geological formations and the effects of climate change on the glacial landscapes. Educational programs aimed at promoting environmental awareness and conservation are a core focus within the park, providing valuable information to visitors and researchers alike.

The prominence of Denali not only as the highest peak in North America but also as a symbol of natural beauty and rugged wilderness exemplifies its importance as a natural landmark both nationally and globally. Its cultural significance, coupled with its ecological and geological stature, ensures that Denali remains a revered and respected icon of the natural world.